Interim Commercial Manager – Professional Services

Full Description

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced Interim Commercial Manager to join our clients’ People Services Team, part of the Professional Services function within the wider Indirects Category.

This key role will focus primarily on Social Benefit projects, while also supporting other areas across the People Services portfolio, including Learning & Development, HR, Occupational Health, Temporary Labour, Events, Contact Centres, and wider Social Value initiatives.

You will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic commercial direction – supporting projects from concept and contract design through procurement, delivery, verification, and operational handover.

Your goal will be to provide a professional, compliant procurement service that delivers value for money, drives responsible procurement, and achieves high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Financial:

• Negotiate, deliver, and manage contracts and framework agreements that deliver efficiencies in line with financial targets and reporting requirements.
• Lead contract reviews and negotiations to ensure they remain fit for purpose across scope, budget, performance, and risk.
• Develop, negotiate, and agree Change Requests to reflect evolving project and business needs.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers and business partners to align procurement activity with organisational objectives.
• Ensure all contracts and frameworks meet responsible procurement standards, as well as relevant health, safety, equality, quality, and environmental requirements.

Process & Performance:

• Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Approve and implement procurement strategies covering tendering, evaluation, award, and contract management.
• Serve as the main point of contact for key suppliers, categories, and markets, leading on strategy, supplier performance, and dispute resolution.
• Support business planning, demand forecasting, and capacity management to ensure resources are effectively allocated to programmes and projects.

Learning & Development:

• Identify and close skills and development gaps within the team.
• Support the professional growth of colleagues through mentoring and engagement with CIPS or equivalent professional training.
• Provide timely and accurate management information for reporting and performance tracking.
• Deputise for the Senior Category Manager when required.

About You

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experienced in using SAP or other e-procurement systems.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels.

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of framework and category management.
• Qualified to CIPS professional standard (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and experience applying it within a commercial environment.

Experience:

• Proven experience in procurement and contract management for complex, high-value projects.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts within a Professional Services capacity (not Construction)
• Skilled in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contract terms and commercial schedules.
• Demonstrable success in leading commercial negotiations and managing supplier relationships.
• Experience in managing or mentoring small teams (formal line management not essential).

The Procurement Hive is a procurement consultancy and procurement recruitment business.

Transform your talent – Our recruitment services span over four decades of combined experience, recruiting supply chain and procurement talent for a wide range of organisations across the globe.

The Procurement Hive celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.